Schengen Visa : Main reason for rejection lies in stay Forms

International travelers are facing a common predicament since the resumption of global travel post-Covid-19: the long wait to secure a visa appointment and delays in processing Schengen visas. This issue has stirred frustration among travellers, both for personal and professional reasons and has sparked widespread complaints.

In an exclusive interview, Anitta Hipper, the Spokesperson for the European Commission in home affairs, sheds light on the reasons behind these delays, the steps taken by the European Commission to address the problem, and the highly anticipated digitization of the Schengen visa, which will be issued in a digital format as a cryptographically signed 2D barcode.

Why the Delay?

As travellers worldwide have expressed their discontent with the extended Schengen visa processing times, the big question is, “What is the root cause of this delay?” Complaints from India, in particular, highlight the painstakingly slow scheduling of visa appointments.

However, according to Anitta Hipper, this is not a problem specific to India. The European Commission has received reports from visa applicants across the globe who face difficulties obtaining appointments for submitting their visa applications at Member States’ consular offices.

Travel restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 have played a significant role in exacerbating this situation. Some Member States have been forced to reduce consular office staff or even cancel contractual arrangements with external service providers.

As international travel resumes and visa applications surge, the increased pressure in some locations has made it challenging for service providers and consulates to process the growing number of visa applications in a timely manner.

Furthermore, the rise of intermediaries using sophisticated IT tools to secure appointments on behalf of visa applicants has made it exceedingly difficult for individuals who do not employ these services to schedule appointments independently.

The European Commission has been actively urging Member States’ visa authorities to improve their operational capacities and release more appointment slots to alleviate the situation. However, it’s essential to note that decisions regarding visa applications remain the exclusive competence of Member States.

Understanding Rejection Rates

Reports in 2022 suggested that India had the second-highest Schengen visa rejection rate, with nearly 18% of applications submitted by Indians being turned down. Anitta Hipper clarifies that this claim is not entirely accurate.

The refusal rate for visas applied for at Member States’ consulates corresponds to the global average refusal rate. In fact, there are approximately 60 visa-required third countries with even higher refusal rates, some reaching up to 50%.

The primary reason for visa rejections is inadequate documentation to justify the purpose and conditions of the intended stay. Member States have identified the use of forged or fake documents as a significant issue, a problem not unique to India.

Streamlining the Schengen Visa Processing

While there are no accelerated or emergency procedures available for tourism-related travels, Member States are actively working on enhancing their processing capacity to cope with the rising volume of visa applications.

In June of this year, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached an agreement to digitalize the Schengen visa procedure.

The implementation of this regulation will commence once the European Parliament and the Council adopt it. The digital visa, in the form of a 2D barcode with cryptographic signatures, is expected to be introduced not before 2028. Member States will have seven years to transition to the common online visa platform.

Digitized Schengen Visa: A Game-Changer

The digitization of Schengen visas is a significant development aimed at modernizing the visa procedure. It comprises two key components: the digitalization of the visa sticker and the digitization of the visa application process.

This will be achieved through the creation of an EU online Visa application platform, allowing applicants to apply online for a Schengen visa, irrespective of their destination country, and make visa fee payments.

The platform will offer secure accounts for applicants to apply and receive application decisions, along with providing real-time information on visa requirements and procedures, supported by a user-friendly chatbot.

Furthermore, under the proposed rules, visas will be issued in a digital format, represented as 2D barcodes with cryptographic signatures. This innovative approach is expected to enhance security by reducing the risk of counterfeit and stolen visas, providing a more streamlined and secure visa application process for travellers.

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